Drug Charges

Drug charges followed a traffic stop in Rock Creek. Last week, Wilkes Sheriff’s Deputy initiated the traffic stop. The 49-year-old white male driver was charged with driving while impaired and multiple drug charges. Meth and other drugs were found in the vehicle along with drug paraphernalia.

Vehicle Theft

The Wilkes Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a vehicle theft last week. Reportedly, the 2013 Black Subaru Crossback valued at $5900 was stolen from a business called Car Dealz in Wilkesboro. One female suspect was listed with that report. Charges are pending further investigation.

New Behavioral Health Center in Eastern NC

On Tuesday, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new behavioral health urgent care respite center for children and families in eastern North Carolina. In partnership with the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Life Changing Behavioral Health Services, and Trillium Health Resources, the Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care respite facility will open tomorrow. A respite facility is a safe and caring environment offering temporary relief for family members or caregivers who provide constant care to loved ones.  This is a six-bed respite facility for children and adolescents with mental health issues.

PATH NC

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host an event in partnership with the Forsyth County DSS to announce the launch of PATH NC —the state’s new child welfare information system. PATH NC will bring all 100 county departments of social services together into one statewide data system for the administration of child welfare services. By streamlining documentation, aligning technology with policy, and integrating local agencies into a unified data system, PATH NC helps ensure state and local child welfare staff have the information and support they need to better protect children and assist families.

3-Car Bump-Up

It was a three-vehicle collision at the Intersection of East Main and Woodland Blvd in Wilkesboro. The incident happened early Monday morning. Two vehicles were stopped at a light. The light had just turned green when a third vehicle hit one car and knocked it into a second car. No injuries were reported. Damages to the 3 vehicles ranged from $500 to $1500. The driver who caused the collision was charged with failure to reduce speed.

Stolen Property

The property owner reported someone stole his tools from his repossessed storage building. Reportedly, the building was repossessed while he was out-of-town. When he tried to recover the $10,000 in specialty tools, a race engine, and 3 welders inside the building, he was told a man and woman had already gotten them. There is no word on suspects and the investigation is ongoing.

Former Wilkes Fire Chief Dies

Millers Creek Fire Department is mourning the loss of a former Board Member and former Fire Chief, Larry Eller. He joined the Millers Creek Fire Department in the early 1970’s and served as Fire Chief from 1978 to 1991.  Chief Eller retired from the fire service and then served on our Board of Directors until his passing. Larry was instrumental in many things in the Millers Creek Fire District including: organizing the initial medical first responder group for the department. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Millers Creek United Methodist Church with the family receiving from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM prior to the service at the church.  Reins-Sturdivant is in charge of arrangements.

NC and Suicide

Suicide is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in North Carolina for people ages 10-65, according to data from the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10-18 in North Carolina, and the second leading cause of death for those ages 19-34. Additionally, military veteran residents are disproportionally impacted by suicide. Resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or if you just need someone to talk to. For those in a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Just call 988.

NC and Broadband Access

Josh Stein announced $58 million in Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program projects to connect 10,076 households and businesses in 26 counties to high-speed internet. Counties include: Iredell County for high-speed internet access to 80 homes and businesses; Surry County for high-speed internet to 389 homes and businesses; and Yadkin County for 19 homes and businesses. Governor Josh Stein said, “I look forward to continuing to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the state so that people can communicate with family and friends, grow their business, or access telehealth services or educational opportunities.”

Common Law Robber Caught in North Wilkesboro

On Wednesday at 2:30 pm, North Wilkesboro Police Officers received a call to the Run-In Store on Hwy 115 near Hwy 421 in reference to an Armed Robbery in progress. The store clerk struggled with the suspect before he fled on foot to a nearby mobile home park. The suspect, Mark Dwayne Locklear of North Wilkesboro, was located, arrested, and charged with felony Common Law Robbery. He is being held in the Wilkes County Jail with no bond.